Viewpoint
IRRIGAT ON
John Kmitta
All the Latest Trends
T
rends. The term evokes various connotations depending on the subject. In
the fashion world, trends are the latest designs that the "experts" in Paris,
New York and L.A. are buzzing about. In Hollywood, current trends help
determine which scripts will get a green light. In baseball, trends are measured statistically, as one can tell pretty definitively if a team — or even an individual
player — is trending up or down.
By definition, a trend is a prevailing tendency or inclination; a general movement; a
current style or preference; or a line of development. But it can also be defined as the
general movement over time of a statistically detectable change; or a statistical curve reflecting such a change.
For our inaugural Landscape and Irrigation Trends Issue, we have embraced the ambiguity of "trends" and how they are measured, and present to you a range of information
related to industry trends.
As with those who keep an eye on the catwalks of Milan, our Landscape Design and
Construction focus shares insight into landscape design trends — including color
palettes, landscape lighting, outdoor living spaces, plant selection and more.
With regard to equipment, we asked manufacturers and suppliers to identify the latest equipment trends — from equipment design and manufacturing to equipment sales
and other factors that impact the buying decision.
For those who prefer a solid statistical foundation when measuring "trends," we also
provide the results of our contractor survey, which identifies current equipment use
habits; as well as information from the Irrigation Association (IA) regarding IA's recent
irrigation contractor survey.
For our survey, we asked contractors to identify several factors impacting their
equipment purchase and use habits. In addition to the statistical information provided in
the contractor survey results on page 19, we also asked respondents to identify other
factors impacting their equipment decisions this year. And although we could not present all of the responses to the open-ended question with the rest of the survey results, I
found many of the responses intriguing. As one could probably guess, many respondents
cited "the economy," "economic factors," "lack of funding," "cash flow," "budget,"
"money," and "price" as factors that are impacting their equipment decisions. But many
respondents also cited the dealer relationship as a major factor with regard to their
equipment decisions, citing the need for a dealer who does good work, carries the
proper parts, and can provide reliable service and support.
Time will tell if trends become the norm. But, for now, we hope you enjoy the latest
buzz regarding the landscape and irrigation industries.
LI
1030 W. Higgins Road, Suite 230, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Phone: (847) 720-5600 • Fax: (847) 720-5601
Web site: http://www.landscapeirrigation.com
Editorial Staff
Associate Publisher, Editor
John Kmitta
(847) 720-5613; fax (847) 720-5601; jkmitta@specialtyim.com
Products Editor
Steve Noe
(630) 499-1017; fax (630) 499-1026; snoe@specialtyim.com
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Brian Snook
Karen Kalinyak
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1030 W. Higgins Road, Suite 230, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Phone: (847) 720-5600 • Fax: (847) 720-5601
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6 Landscape and Irrigation July/August 2013
www.landscapeirrigation.com
